Collins Has Provided Fresh Look

The reshuffle at Academy level due to the introduction of the Elite Players Performance Plan has allowed young coach James Collins to work more closely with the first-team squad. Collins, a former first team player under Dario Gradi and an Academy coach since 2007 is now taking charge of the club’s Under-21s.

This is to help the young contingent further improve before stepping into the first-team frame under Steve Davis and his assistant Neil Baker. The Alex boss says that the new promotion for Collins has given the club a fresh perspective on things at first team level.

“There is a great motivation from within the club because I have a great staff to work with, ‘says Steve. “They are a great support to me and we keep each other going. There is pressure but there is also the pressure we bring onto ourselves because we want to continue being successful.

“We don’t get too down when results go against us and never get carried away either. There has to be that balance. It is a tough job season on season but everyone here works extremely hard for us to do well.

“We now have James (Collins) on board with us. It is a good move for him in his own career and he comes in with his own ideas. He has his own thoughts and it is a good to have his input and his look on things because he has his own opinion and doesn’t always agree with me or Neil.

“He has freshened things up and it is important to have a different perspective on things. It is working out well and he can provide that real link between the Under-21s and the first team. It is something I wanted.”